Monty Don receives touching tribute from BBC star after fans insisted he ‘deserved better’ following sad birthday snap
GARDENERS World star Monty Don star was showered with love on his 69th birthday.
The horticulturist and broadcaster was on stage at London’s Kew Gardens for his ‘In Conversation With’ appearance on Monday night (July 8).
However, there was a fun surprise in store for Monty, courtesy of BBC Radio 2 presenter Tina Daheley.
As it also happened to be the beloved gardener’s birthday, he received a special cake, which was given to him by Tina and made by the The Botanical Brasserie at Kew.
While making his appearance at Kew The Music festival, Monty was also treated to thousands of attendees singing happy birthday.
Prior to the event, the star took to Instagram where he gave his 1.3million followers a sneak peek into his not so luxurious dressing room.
Monty captioned his post: “The latest in my series of glamorous dressing rooms – getting set for tonight’s show at Kew the Music (bring wellies, waterproofs and umbrellas).”
Although fans took to his comments section to share their birthday wishes, they also noticed the lack of any celebratory decorations or treats.
One penned: “I hope you can have a birthday celebration after the show. It doesn’t look very inviting…”
Another remarked: “Happy birthday!! They could have had a plant in the room. Best wishes.”
A third added: “Not a cake in sight? Happy Birthday Monty!”
While a fourth wrote: “Close your eyes and think of your beautiful dogs and garden. Happy Birthday Monty. Keep out of the rain.”
It comes as Monty was recently flooded with support following another emotional social media update.
The beloved BBC personality took to Instagram, where he shared a sweet snap of himself and cherished dogs Nell and Ned.
In the picture, Nell is standing on her hind legs with her paws on Monty’s arms, while he offered some soothing words to his furry friend.
He wrote: “More memories- reassuring Nellie just a few days after Ned arrived.”
The rise and rise of Monty Don
SINCE bursting onto our TV screens in Gardeners' World in the early noughties, Monty Don has been a much-loved star.
Before finding fame on TV, and together with his wife Sarah, Monty set up a lucrative jewellery business in the early 80s.
Monty then joined the popular BBC show as presenter in 2003, taking over from the out going Alan Titchmarsh, and has been there ever since.
Every since he burst onto the scene, he has become a familiar face on the box.
Away from Gardeners’ World he is also known for Monty Don’s Italian Gardens, as well as the French, American and Japanese versions of the show.
Monty also hosted The Secret History of the British Garden
Ned was a just a puppy in the photo, and could be seen napping in between Monty’s legs.
Monty’s poignant tribute follows Nell’s tragic death from cancer in October last year.
One of his followers wrote: “She adored you and it so clear to see you adored her. It’s a bond that can never be broken, even when we lose them.”
Another added: “Argh lovely Nellie, I keep forgetting that she’s passed. You had such a special bond.”